A New Way to Experience Your Holidays

Although the holidays go by quickly, the reality is that we spend about two months total “celebrating.” This year in particular, we have more than thirty days between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and about forty between Thanksgiving and New Year’s! That is a lot of time to get stressed out, and make non-optimal decisions in regards to our health.

Luckily, there are so many ways to make all of the days inside of the holiday season meaningful, while also filling them with grace, fun and meaning regardless of what or how you celebrate. With a few mindful practices, your holiday season will be illuminated instead of stress-filled.

I love to create experiences that ultimately turn into gifts and memories. This can be done in so many different ways, whether it be through something as simple as homemade fragrances, or something as long-term as setting yourself up for a year of better health.

A no-fuss non-toxic way to experience the aromas of the holidays is to simply place a pot of water on your stove and put orange slices, cranberries and cinnamon sticks into the water and allow it to simmer on low throughout the time that you are in your home. A clean and inviting scent will fill your home without any of the added toxins found in traditional scented candles, creating an experience and comforting scents for you and your family to associate with the season for years to come.

Another great way to create an experience for yourself, or for someone else, is to set yourself up to lead a healthier lifestyle with ease. A juiceris a great personal investment or gift that will be able to be used all year, while creating the experience of commitment to your own, or a loved one’s, health. I personally havethis juicer in my own kitchen and use it daily.

If you choose to exchange traditional gifts, that is okay, too! Make it a point to be mindful of how you wrap your gifts, and I even have a few tips on how to even make that meaningful. Old pieces of clothing that no longer serve as wearable garments are perfect for wrapping gifts. You can also be cognizant of your carbon footprint, and simply wrap your gifts withrecyclable brown paper orreusable fabrics and a beautiful twine. These can actually make unique and beautiful wrappers to the special gift inside.

One of my favorite, easiest, and effective ways to slow down is to light a candle, and observe the flame for fifteen minutes. It sounds silly, but this is such a calming, impactful and meditative practice. A great, and fragrant option is this candle, or if you prefer something unscented,this is a great choice.

My wish for you this season is to mindfully celebrate your holidays. It may change the way you approach them forever.